After I had my daughter I tried my hardest to keep my drawing skills up by doing quick sketches here and there when I could. I have never been good at disciplining myself - I know I have skills as a sketch artist but I never allow myself the time, nor do I have the patience to sit for hours on end to complete a plein air drawing. I'm sure there are drawbacks to not practicing and I find that when I do find the time I end up following more of a routine.

This drawing was done on site sometime near the end of 1998 at a lovely little church in the New Zealand countryside somewhere near Nelson. We had a picnic and I remember trying to get as much done as possible but being distracted by a crying baby. It has been hiding away in my portfolio for all these years and the main reason I haven't gotten back to it is because I have no way to get back to the little church. With thousands of miles between us, it's not possible.

This piece was done (or should I say undone:) using pastel, charcoal and pencil on paper.